Dress toImpress
You’ve got this one covered: fresh haircut and a shave, suit with pressed dress shirt, and your military-issue green notebook, right? Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all military image isn’t always right for the civilian job market. Here are a few things to think about.
There is Such a Thing as Being Overdressed
One of the most important things to know is that the offer is negotiable, so think about countering. One option that may help: Check out the Regular Military Compensation Calculator, offered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, to determine your equivalent civilian pay. Of course, you also don’t want to negotiate yourself out of a job—a company may be less flexible on salary, for instance, if it hasn’t employed a lot of service members. If you get that impression, consider negotiating scheduled pay increases that would occur at employee evaluations; this shows the company you’re willing to prove yourself first.
Your Haircut Sends a Message Too
If you know a company is military-friendly or has a hiring program specifically for veterans, then the high and tight (and the U.S. Navy lapel pin) will work in your favor. But if you’re unsure, consider whether you want your status as a service member to be the first impression you make. It might be beneficial to be a little more subtle.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
Go into any interview dressed like the boss of the position you’re applying for. Interviewing for a floor-level warehouse job? Dress like a warehouse manager. Applying as a “Director of Very Important Things?” Dress like a CEO. Either way, be comfortable and let your confidence shine through.
